Eyre United vs Lock
Eyre United Ins – Nathan Peters, Malachi Fatchen, Jonno Forrest, Marley Butler Outs – None Provided
Lock
Ins – Casey Beard, Josh Crosby, Tim Boehm, Fletcher Kammermann, Jed Siebert, Declan Allen (Debut), Tait Hetzel (Debut) Outs - Luke Durdin (Away), Ryan Durdin (Away), Levi Brown (Hamstring), Lachlan ‘Chuck’ Heath (Knee), Tyron George (Knee), Blaze Kay (Driver), Andrew Heath (Seeding)
The Saints would have enjoyed their bye last week after facing the Eagles and the Blues in the opening rounds. The Roos managed a comfortable win over the Roosters but unfortunately, it came at a significant cost on the injury front.
The Roos have 9 first choice players missing due to injury or other commitments this weekend, opening the door for the Saints to be competitive against a potential top 2 finisher.
The Saints have been more competitive than the scoreboard suggests in their opening games and will only continue to get stronger as the year goes on. Marley Butler and Jonno Forrest are important ins for Eyre United with both players having the ability to play either end of the ground.
Eyre United captain, Max Baldissera has led from the front as their best player in their opening two games and will have to be closely monitored by Lock. Guy Morton has been back to his best to start the year, wining plenty of contested ball, whilst Kory Beard has dominated so far this year with his work-rate rarely seen in country football.
Tait Hetzel will get the opportunity to play with his father Gundy this weekend after some excellent performances in the colts, only need to play 370 A Grade games to catch up to your old man, Tait!.
This game will be a lot closer than many are predicting, Lock should get over the line but expect Eyre United to really push the Roos, especially in the first half.
United Yeelanna vs Elliston Districts
United Yeelanna Ins – Michael Crettenden, Clayton Colbert Outs – Stephen Conlan & Aaron Watson
Elliston Districts Ins – Darren Gregory, Henry Guerin Outs – Brody Kenny, Harvey Fleming
The Eagles managed to just scrape over the line against a tough Blues side last week and will be better for the competitive hit-out against a top 2 contender, led by their superstar in Xavier Watson whilst Dane Habner had yet another solid game.
The Roosters battled well against the Lock outfit last weekend, controlling the ball after quarter-time, led by Ross Bascomb at half-back.
The absence of Eagles ruckman Stephen Conlan will give the Roosters first look at the ball with Rhys Kelsh impressing in the ruck and around the ground in their first 2 games of the season.
The battle of the midfield will be worth the entry alone with Mail Medallists Matty Williams fronting up against Xavier Watson. Combine that with Kody Rosalia, Scott Feltus and Cooper Van Doorn up against Michael Crettenden, Dane Habner and Shaun Maxfield, the game looks to be won and lost in the midfield.
The depth of United Yeelanna has been superb over the last 10 years and that looks like it could be the difference between the two sides.
The Eagles have started the season on fire and rarely lose at home. The Roosters play a contested style which will suit the Karkoo Oval but until United Yeelanna lose a game, you simply can’t tip against them.
Cummins Ramblers vs Tumby Bay
Ramblers
Ins – Cody Modra, Toby Modra, Tysan Mickan, Tyler Langley, Joel Modra (Debut) Outs – Blair Buchanan (Away), Isaac Hall (Injured), Darcy Claughton (Injured), Jimmy Richardson (Injured), Jack Treloar (Injured)
Tumby Bay
Ins – Mitch Anesbury, Hudson Franks Outs – Ezra Foster, Tyson Whitelaw
Ramblers also suffered plenty of injuries last weekend battling out a win against cross-town rivals Cougars. Will Haarsma led from the front once again, supported by Micky Franklin, Jimmy Richo and Mitch Dennis.
The Blues took it right up to the reigning premiers last weekend and should be full of confidence coming into this game. Grant McLeod earnt his 3rd consecutive best player, controlling the midfield, aptly supported by key position players like Joe Walker, Matthew Hartwig, Tom and Jack McDonald and Tom Kelly.
If Cougars v Ramblers is the biggest rivalry in the league, this one comes an extremely close second.
Whilst maintaining majority of last year’s list, the Blues recruits have added class around the ball, allowing them to really push for a top 2 spot in 2023.
The Magpies continue to field plenty of younger players, whilst still being more than competitive against the competitions best, a true credit to the coaching of Jules Wait.
Tumby coach Craig Curtis is focussing on all 21 players playing their role to make sure they continue to play competitive footy at a consistent level, something which has been easy to see from the sidelines with their performances so far.
With Ramblers missing many of their bigger bodies in what’s always a tough and physical affair between the two sides, it’s hard to go past the Blues in the form that they’re in.
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